Quick Blog #6 - Age

            In my social sphere’s I feel that I have a good amount of diversity in age.  I have been working at a daycare over summers and holidays, so that gives me experience and time with children from ages 6 weeks to six years old.  At that workplace my co-workers are also varied ages from older women to ones just out of college.  I do wish I had more contact and interaction with elderly people though.  I have my grandparents and great aunts and uncles, yet, I only tend to see most of them during holidays or special gatherings.  Other than elderly family members, or my friends elderly family members I hardly have any interaction.  I think elderly people are kind, loving, and have so many stories to tell, that it would be enjoyable to spend sometime with that generation. 

            Our society is very segregated by age, making it difficult to all interact.  When in school you are in classes based on your age, in college you mostly live/interact with people around your age, even sports clubs can have “special age rooms or classes”.  At restaurants, or a museum sometimes elderly get a special price at a certain time.  When someone gets older there are exclusive age communities they can move into, or a nursing home that is filled with all fellow elderly people.  Someone can’t drive a car until they are 16, drink alcohol until 21, vote until 18, it seems are though a lot of events in ones life are marginalized by how old someone is.  

            I think it would be beneficial if our society begun to integrate different ages and generations.  We need to start challenging age-based segregation and rules.  Everyone matures at a different age, and sometimes this age regulations do not fit a specific individuals level of maturity. If we started integrating different ages, I feel people would appreciate each other more, and would learn a lot about life lessons.  The saying “history repeats itself” partially happens because we all don’t communicate well, and don’t listen to past generations experiences.  Some ways people could interact more with other generations could be volunteering at a nursing home, not judging someone based on how old they may be and start a conversation, organizing town activities for all ages to join in on so that people can begin meeting each other, and also just try to be more open-minded and curious about others life stories.  This way younger people will learn what to do and not to do in particular life situations, and elderly people can keep their spirits and life energetic by being around young people’s energy! 

Response to Question O

            I have always known that oppression, racism, white supremacists and systemic discrimination have been a continuing problem in our society.  Yet, after taking this course the individual issues have become more apparent to myself.  I definitely feel as though I can do more to help solve these issues on an everyday basis.  One thing I will do now, more than I have done in the past, is speak up when someone uses a racist term, or judges someone for any stereotypical reason.  By speaking up and telling the person that that is not ok to talk about someone like that, maybe they will think twice the next time they say something of that sort.  Sometimes people simply follow stereotypes to sound cool, more powerful, or because they don’t even think about it and are just joking.  By someone standing up for the judged person, or group the other person is making fun of might make an impression on the person to think before they speak next time. I think by speaking up it could affect the people in my sphere, and hopefully they will change their ways as well.

            Essentially we all need to pay more attention to how we treat others, and be more compassionate towards every other human being.  It’s the little everyday gestures and kind words that can make someone feel more welcome in our society, and not oppressed.  We are all not that different from each other, male or female, black or white we all need each other to survive in this world.  We should start looking less at people’s physical appearances, and focus more on who the individual is as a person.  Stop judging someone for his or her age, clothing styles, culture, or traditions and get to know the person.  A lesson I have learned from this course is to stop and listen to more people, and I know I will learn a lot about others by doing simply that.  There are thousands of amazing people in this world, and even in a small community, we all just need to take the time to listen and appreciate each other. 

Response to Question N

            I think anyone who is truly compassionate about an issue can be considered an activist.  To be an effective activist is someone who is strong-willed, passionate, determined, and motivational.  I also think an activist has to be well educated about the issue they are pursuing, and be confident to speak up in a crowd.   The person needs to be aware that there will be a lot of obstacles, and most likely a lot of people who will be in opposition with them.  Most importantly a good activist doesn’t give up, even through the hardest patches of discouragement. 

            Activist and activism is important to helping solve issues in our society.  It can bring awareness to people who were oblivious of the issue before.  I know on campus I have seen flyers, rallies, debates, or a free small souvenir (ex. pins, stickers, bracelet).  All these methods spread the word, and knowledge of a cause, I know I have learned for the first time about certain issues from these forms of communication.

            One of my favorite activist groups is PETA.  Although some of the campaigns are extreme, and intense.  They are so compassionate, and make so much effort to make a change in animal treatment.  I am not a vegetarian myself, however, some of the PETA arguments are very convincing.  One of my friends did became vegan after watching a presentation from a PETA activist a few years ago.  Activists are clearly important members of our culture, because they question the norm, and powerfully fight for good causes. 

Response to Question M

                        Ageism is the discrimination, and maltreatment of someone simply because they are old.  I think one of the root causes of this stereotyping is due to the media influence, and our fast paced culture.  In our society everything is in high-speed mode, from driving fast in our cars, to wearing all the latest (fast changing) fashion styles.  People think of elderly people as “boring, stinky, cranky, demanding, avaricious, bossy, ugly, dirty and useless” (Butler, 557).  These are entirely not true.  What happened to the elderly being highly respected by a culture?  Some cultures traditions still honor elderly as the most wise and respected people in a community.

            I do not think of myself as completely ageist for I do respect elderly people, and feel that they have a lot of wisdom to share if people would listen to them, and not write them off as senile.  One of my grandfathers was drafted in WWII at age 18, and he has some interesting, first-hand stories about the historical event.  If my own grandfather has fascinating stories I can imagine that all elderly people have worthwhile stories to share.  The problem is no one listens.  I am not perfect though, and there are defiantly those times that I get frustrated with someone older, and think in my head “errr this annoying old person”!  For example, at the grocery store waiting in line behind an elderly person trying to use the self- scanners, or on a one-way street with the person in front of you going 10 mph.  I do get frustrated and impatient.  Yet, we have to realize that these people were from a different time, grew up in a less technologically advanced society, and don’t move as fast as us young people do.  They are still people, and could be some of the nicest, friendliest people you will ever talk to if you give them a chance.  Who cares if someone is old? Do people really have legit reasons if they stopped and though about it.  

            Think of it this way, one day we are all going to be considered elderly, and will we wanted to be treated the way society treats old people now? 

Response to Question L

            I really enjoyed the video “Gimp”!  It was a very inspirational clip, and shows that someone who is considered disabled can be just as good a dancer as anyone else.  It proves no one should doubt someone’s ability to do anything that they put their minds too.  Many believe that if someone is physically disabled that they cannot accomplish tasks that others can.  This is not a true assumption, and “Gimp” helps prove that.  This video expands the notions of the human body, and shows that anyone can dance.  To dance you don’t need every limb, or finger fully in tack, it simply takes dedication, and soul.  The dancers in this film were confident, strong, and graceful, beautiful dancers.  They show that if you stop doubting yourself, and stop listening to the people telling you that you can’t do something, you can accomplish any goal of yours!

            “Gimp” and the article “Gawking, Gaping, Staring”, by Eli Clare, both touch on the term ableism.  Ableism can be defined as “the all- encompassing system of discrimination and exclusion of people who live with development, medical, neurological, physical or psychological disabilities” (p.457).  Many people do not know how it feels to leave their house, and have majority of people they pass on the sidewalk or sit next to in a restaurant stare at them.  I know if it were me I would feel terrible knowing that people were staring at me because of my “disability”, and almost feel ashamed.  Why do we even have to call these qualities of someone a disability, I like to think of them as just something different (not bad) about someone else.  People have different hair colors, eye colors, heights and weights, so why do we stare and gawk when someone has a physical or mental difference? These people who are part of “freak shows” are people, and I do not agree with the existence of these types of moneymaking ploys that cultivate from someone’s appearance.

            Many of these disabilities are not the persons’ choice, and many are incurable medical issues.  We don’t know what someone has been through, or their personal story when passing them on the road, so who are we to judge?  We should be sensitive and accepting, not judgmental and hurtful.  Some people are extremely insecure about their disabilities, however, many have chosen to embrace theirs, and not let that one characteristic restrict their life.  If our society was more open-minded, and less critical of people than maybe everyone with any sort of disability would be able to embrace it, and gain confidence in themselves. 

Quick Blog 5- Pornography

                        I watched Andrea Dworkin’s Testimony about the harms of pornography.  I do agree with a lot of her points, although some are very crude.  At one point she talks about the way in which women’s genitals are used as objects for men to view, putting make up on them, shaving them etc.  This degrades a woman’s body, and makes her completely exposed to the world.  Majority of these women in porn magazines and video chose that career, and comply too the photographers or directors orders.  Yet, the fact that people choose to partake in these types of productions does not make them any less offensive, and degrading to females everywhere.

            In porn women are used interchangeably, exploited, posed in extremely submissive and sexual positions.  Some females are even made to look like little girls, which I feel is very inappropriate.  Considering pedophiles do exist in this country, I feel this type of imagery would not help that issue be resolved.  By pornography being produced I agree it does teach men, and even young boys that women are objects to use for their enjoyment.  This can also lead to violence, sexual assaults, and rape towards women, because men become sexually aggressive and want the women to act like the ones in the porn movies or magazines.  When in reality not all women want to feel submissive to a man, and do whatever they want them to do. 

            Overall, I feel that porn does further the problems with sexism and misogyny.  There should be stricter regulations on pornography, and possibly more limits on where this type of product is sold.  I do not think it would be possible to completely eradicate the production of porn from our society anytime soon, because there is a popular demand for it.  We can start working towards lessening the popularity of pornography, however, by educating people on the affects of this seeming harmless entertainment product. 

Process Piece for Digital Video Project

            Overall I think my video came out good, although, my original idea was not what ended up being produced.  I originally wanted to show a timeline of a male and then of a female on how through each stage of life advertisements are influencing.  From a small child choosing which toys were acceptable for their gender to play with, to adulthood buying the latest wrinkle crèmes.  I decided that would take a lot more time than 3-5 minutes to make it clear, and in-depth enough so I decided to alter my idea. 

            I decided to use some of my original idea, but focus mainly on women and what advertisements declare to them.   I wanted to use a lot of images to prove my points (most of my images I found through google.com).  I began with a few definitions of sexism, in case some viewers were unsure of what it officially meant.  Then I asked a friend, and my mother on what sexism meant to them, to give a real-life definition of the term.  After those few introductory slides I begun with images and how they influence women about the importance of appearances.  After those slides I wanted to wrap up with a few ending thoughts, and well as a one-slide timeline of a females acquiescence with advertisements through each stage of life.  

            I am happy with the outcome of my slideshow, I wish I could have used a movie program to make the images flow better, but I did the best I could with powerpoint.  I think I organized my ideas well, and the introduction slides and conclusion slides held my presentation together nicely!

            Sources; the images came from google.com, and I used the text “Readings for Diversity and Social Justice” , Section 5 “Sexism”.

Response to Question K

            The Beautiful Daughters film and “Trans Woman Manifesto” article successfully challenge preconceived notions of transgender identity.  Transgender people are harshly stereotyped in US culture.  Transgender people intimidate a lot of people, I feel because others don’t understand that persons choice. Transgender are only trying to express who they truly are, and they are sometimes exiled from society for it.  Transgender males and females are just like any other man or woman in the world.  They just feel they were born into the wrong body, and given an incorrect gender.  When they looked into a mirror they did not see themselves, and were not comfortable in their own skin.  Some even knew as a young child that they did not feel as though they were meant to be the gender they were born.  I can’t imagine how terrible it would feel to confess your feelings to family, friends, or religious group and have them turn their backs in disgust.  It’s their personal life choice, and are trying to create a comfortable, happy lives for themselves.  If changing someone’s gender makes them feel better about themselves, and gives them the feeling of belonging, then why can’t they strive to obtain that feeling by changing their gender.    If our society would stop judging and stereotyping about these people and actually listening to them, maybe people would begin to accept them for who they are.  I think the Vagina Monologues are a great way to start building the bridge of acceptance for peoples differing life choices due to hearing peoples stories.

            Julia Serano defines a trans woman as “any person who is assigned a male sex at birth, but who identifies as and/or lives as a woman.” She also states that, “no qualifications should be placed on the term ‘trans woman’ based on a person ability to pass as a female, her hormone levels, or the state of her genitals.”  I think that transgender people should not be discriminated against, and we should try to understand what that person is going through.  One of the most interesting terms that this article talks about in my opinion is transphobia, which is essentially the discrimination and fear of gender identities that deviate from social norms.  People come in all different shapes, sizes, colors, and have so many differing characteristics. Gender is just another small detail that makes up who someone is as a whole person.  One detail should not decide the way they are treated by society.

            We need to end the judging, the dehumanizing, the attacking, and hurting of others who are different than oneself.  Its about love, being able to love yourself for who you are, as well as being able to love others for who they truly are. 

Quick Blog # 4

Willow Smith’s song, Whip My Hair, has become a phenomenon within the music industry.  Willow Smith is around ten years old, and I feel that is very young to produce such a risky song.  I think the song can be considered very sexual, and is not a song I would choose to teach a child.  Although I am very impressed by gaining a record deal at such a young age, and producing a song that has risen to the top, but I don’t think she is a good role model for young girls.  Even in her music video she is dressed in tight clothes, boys all around, and dancing provocatively.  She does not act her age, but on some of the close up facial shots you can see that she is a very young girl. When I first heard this song I did not expect it to be young Willow Smith singing it.

            I definitely have mixed feelings about the song, and the artist herself.  I personally do not even like the song.  The fact that is was produced by someone so young, almost turns me away from the song even more because it could be interpreted as a very sexual song.  At age ten that seems a little inappropriate.   Overall, I do not feel Willow should be considered a role model for children around her age, because she is growing up in a different environment, and is clearly maturing at a extremely fast pace.  

Response to Question J

I chose to analyze the article, “Biphobia”, by Marcia Deihl and Robyn Ochs, because I have seen homophobia first hand, however, never realized the issue of biphobia.  The article defines biphobia as the fear of the other and fear of the space between categories.  Many believe there are set, distinct categories of heterosexuality and homosexuality.  I agree that there is more of a spectrum between the two “major” sexualities.  It is possible for someone to not judge a person on their gender, and fall in love with each gender for their other qualities.  Some of the stereotypes of this sexuality listed were; "they’re going through a stage, she’s lesbian but can’t admit it yet, he’s just experimenting, or that they’re swingers and sex maniacs” (p.385).  These are all false stereotypes, and interpretations of the kind of lifestyle these people choose to live.  Everyone deserves the right to love and be treated with dignity no matter what sexuality they choose.  I have a female friend who is heterosexual and never has had an attraction to a girl, until she met this one.  She and this girl dated for a few months, and now my friend has a boyfriend.  She does not consider herself a lesbian, or even bisexual, she just grew feelings for this one single girl, not all girls.  This friend taught me that there is a lot more to love than simply defined categories, and that it works in all different ways.

            One of the most interesting points of this article was the idea that “bisexuals are perceived as a threat to so many gays and lesbians” (387).  Many homosexual people believe that you have to like either males or females, not both.  I think this is so hurtful, because, even the people who know how it feels to be judged on their sexuality are not judging someone who they could closely relate to.  Sexuality is such a complicated matter, and seems to becoming less of a taboo topic but many are still intimidated by it.  I overall feel everyone has the right to love who they choose to love, and sexuality should not define someone.  As the article states “Sexuality is a giant field in which lesbian and gay people are clustered mostly on one side and heterosexually-identified people are clustered mostly on the other.  We are not locked into place”. If we all opened our minds and accepted people for who they were (even if we don’t understand it), we might all learn something from each other.  

Response to Question I

            Jean Kilbourne’s, Killing Us Softly 3, displayed some great examples on how the media influences gender identities, and an inside look into what advertisements are actually trying to sell.   I strongly believe that the media does perpetuates rigid and narrow conceptualizations of masculinity and femininity.  Advertisements are a huge media outlet that influences gender.  As Kilbourne explains, women’s most important quality is their looks.  Advertisements depict the ideal female image, which is unrealistic.  Women are taught to reach for ideal beauty, and strive to look like women in the images of advertisements.  What many women don’t know is that those women do not exist (or if they do it would be about 10 in the entire world).  With computer re-touching, these models in the ads are completely transformed to look they way they do in the final product.  Women are taught to spend time, money, and effort to look this way and figure if they don’t succeed then they are not trying hard enough.  Advertisements are a huge misinterpretation, and plant a lot of false hope in women.  I think this is rally sad that women are submitted to this type of “ideal”, unrealistic beauty model.  However, I do admit that I will open up a magazine and even though I am aware that there was air brushing and all that, I still think “I want to look like that”.  Girls as young as 8 (and possibly younger) are beginning to want to diet, own brand labeled items, and feel overall ugly.  They are so young to be thinking about any of those subjects, its sad that girls nowadays can’t even enjoy childhood because of all the pressure to be attractive.

            This images can also intersect with race and class.  Advertisements are trying to sell not only the product but a lifestyle, sex, and values.  An interesting point this presentation brought up was about the children in advertisements.  How even at such a young age girls are depicted as passive, shy and looking up at the boy.  While, the boy is shown as strong, tough, active and looking down at the girl.  The few times this doesn’t happen is when there is a different race involved, in this case they would depict the girl looking down at the boy of color.  When you first glimpse at an ad none of this might be apparent, but if you stop and really look at one it is crazy what you will see. 

            Kilbourne states that we see 3,000 ads every single day, and spend 3 years of our lifetime watching advertisements on television.  So how can we escape it all, and get back to reality? 

Quick Blog # 3

1.             A time in which I feel I was privileged was to be able to go to an out-of-state university, and not have to worry about financial obligations.  I consider myself middle class, yet, to my parents considered it important to pay for my college education.  I recently read an article about the struggles of many college students in debt with loans.  I feel privileged (and thankful) that I do not need to worry about being in debt when I graduate.  I have friends who do not have the same privilege as I do, however, I respect those people a lot because not only do they succeed in school but they also work a job.  Everyone has their own style of college experience, but I definitely feel that I have an advantage because I do not think I would be able to handle a job, school work, and enjoy my social life.

2.             I studied abroad this past semester and one of the countries I visited was Casablanca, Morocco.  I felt oppressed due to the fact they looked as me as a white, American who was probably of Christian faith.  I was not greeted with respect, or even a smile.   In Morocco majority are Hindu, and Muslim, and a lot of the people strongly dislike Americans.  I felt I was at a huge disadvantage due to the fact that my appearance (white skin, blonde hair) stuck out in a crowd, as well as that I am an American.  Muslims and Americans clearly have a history, however, I was doing my best to respect their customs, community, and values.  The only thing the Moroccans saw was American.  This was upsetting to me that I was judge on one quality and automatically grouped with the beliefs of certain Americans.  I now know how oppression feels first hand, and I would not wish that feeling on anyone. 

3.              One experience I have had in which a classism remark was made was in a McDonalds.  I was with one of my friends who wanted to grab something to eat quick before we went to our other friends house.  He ordered his meal and when it came out it wasn’t the right thing.  He had been having a bad day but that does not excuse the remark he made to the person.  I do not remember the exact wording but it was about how dumb can someone be to be working at a McDonalds and not even be able to get a order right.  He said this right to cash registers face!  I was disgusted and embarrassed.  First off that person did not even make his food so it wasn’t his fault.  Secondly, no one should ever degrade someone else like that especially over a food mix-up.  My friend did not know that person, their lifestyle, or the situation they were in.  A job is a job in my eyes.  When those words came out of my friends mouth I gave him a shocked face, and told him that was incredibly rude, and uncalled for.  I also made an effort to apologize to the worker sincerely.  I know this did not excuse my friends actions, and there was possibly more I could have done to diffuse the situation, however, the damage was already done to that worker. 

Quick Blog # 2- Article

Link to CNN Article

         This article “Why Does it Take Tragedy to Unify Us?”, by Bob Greene, is about exactly what the title states.  Why does it take a tragic accident, incident, or attack to unify us as a country?  During these tragic moments is one of the few times that we all put our differences aside, and stand together as one country.  Greene discusses how the recent shooting tragedy in Arizona has brought everyone in the community, and country together.  He recognizes that these dark times are the times when we put our political differences aside, and realize that we are not each other’s enemies.  Political leaders, and strong followers who are usually debating, and ripping each other apart, put their grudges aside during national tragedies.  Greene reminisces how this same feeling radiated after 9/11, yet, soon everyone was back to their usual feuds.  Why can’t we just accept that we rely on each other? Greene states, “If any good at all is to come from the heartbreak in Arizona, we'll remember to listen to each other, even and especially when we are predisposed to disagree. And, amid our lowered voices, to learn.”  This is a great quote, and hopefully something that can become achievable in our society. 

            This article relates to our class because it is talking about the overall theme of coming together as one.  Race, gender, political or religious affiliations should not matter.  We are all human beings, and are not that different from each other.  We all depend on each other, and should start listening to each other, and treating each other with the respect we do during a time of tragedy, all the time.  Overall, this is an important lesson to be learned. 

Response to Question H

            I have been raised as a Protestant Christian, however, I do not consider myself strongly religious.  I do know that the Christian religion is considered the “privileged” religious affiliation, by the majority. What I did not realize is how apparent that theory is in everyday life in our society.  After reading the two articles “Christian Privilege” (by Lewis Schlosser), and “Christian Privilege and the Promotion of ‘Secular’ and No-So ‘Secular’ Mainline Christianity in Public Schooling and in the Larger Society” (by Warren Blumenfeld).  Both these articles talk about Christianity being the dominant, and privileged religion, while other religious affiliations are not widely recognized.  There are so many different religious practices, and it’s crazy to think that in our society majority of people only know about a common few. 

            I found three Christian privileges that Schlosser listed very interesting because I did not recognized them as religious actions.  The first was about the music on the radio, and certain television specials dedicated to Christian holidays, such as Christmas songs played the entire month of December.  The second one was, that Christians can safely assume they will not have to work or attend school on religious holidays (other people sometimes do not have that same opportunity even if it is a significant holiday to them).  Lastly, the point about Christians not needing to recognize, or learn the customs and traditions of another religion, however, majority non-Christians know about the traditions of Christianity (in our society).

I previously considered all these ideas as social norm, and did not realize they actually are associated with the Christian religion. 

            This favoritism has been going on since the colonial times; I think that is long enough for this to go unnoticed.  I am a Christian, however, I do not want to be associated with the “privileges” that go along with it if that means ignoring other religions.  This should not be about who has privilege and who doesn’t because of what they believe in, every religion should be equally respected and acknowledge in society.  No one should feel scared that their property will be vandalized due to expressing their religious beliefs, by decorating their homes, or putting a bumper sticker on their car.  Christians can do these things without a worry, so why shouldn’t others be able to?  

            I recently went abroad and visited India, China, and Morocco.  These places  have different religious affiliation, and I was lucky to learn about the traditions of these countries.  Different cultures, traditions, and religious beliefs are fascinating and everyone should take time learn about them!  No religion should be considered “better” than another, and it is about time we started acting in that way.  

Video Treatment

1. The Topic:  Sexism

            Why?  I am a young female student, and have seen sexism in different ways throughout my life.  From a child playing with dolls, and my male friends playing with toy dump trucks.  Then as a young girl wanting to look like all the girls depicted in the magazines.  To now trying to apply for jobs in             the corporate world.  Sexism has been around my entire life, just in different ways.  I feel the media has a huge influence over the stereotypes and “roles” that males an females are supposed to play in our society.

2. The Story: I want to show the life of a woman in comparison to that of a male.  I want to start with how young children view sexism, and move towards how adults see it.  I plan of using images from magazines, movies, and television shows to better prove my point. I also am going to try and get some opinions from friends to include.  It is basically going to be a timeline which shows that “sexism” follows us through our lives, and that our gender can shape the way our lives will unfold.

3. The Software: Microsoft Powerpoint.  I have made a lot of Powerpoints and feel very comfortable with it.  However, I am going to try and add video clips therefore I will need to gain assistance from other sources (internet, links that the Professor provided us).

4. Research: I am going to use the two books we use for class, as well as the video’s.  I also am going to interview different aged people to see their opinions on sexism, if they feel it is a problem, and if they think it is partially influenced by the media.  I am going to look at magazine advertisements and articles, as well as television shows inclusion of sexism.

5. Timeline: I have already begun researching magazine articles and advertisements that portray sexism.  I next want to outline the how I want to set up the slideshow, create a flow pattern etc.  Then I will ask some people for statements on their thoughts of sexism embedded in our society.  By the end of this weekend I hope to have majority of my research and the outline of my slideshow done so I can work on the details next week!

6. Take Away Message:  I want my viewers to see that sexism is portrayed all around us in everyday life.  I also want them to realize it is a issue, interconnects with the media, and can be changed.  It is about time we challenged the stereotypes related to gender, and realize that we all are more alike than we think. 

Response to Question G

            I chose to reflect on the article “The Debt-for-Diploma System”, written by Jose Garcia, James Lardner, and Cindy Zeldin.  I am a college student and have seen the new trend of gaining debt for a diploma growing within my University.  Motivation, desire, and smarts are no longer the essentials for getting a college degree, it is money.  With college tuitions skyrocketing, majority of students are forced to take out loans (grants are losing value, and scholarships are extremely competitive and rare).  It makes me upset that motivated students cannot go to the college of their dreams, not because they were not accepted, but because they cannot afford it.  As the authors explain this was not always the way it was, and loans used to play a small role in gaining someone a higher education. In today’s society money, and loans strongly impact someone’s educational future.

            I do not think this system is fair, and a change should be made to make college an affordable thing to obtain for studious, motivated students.  A quote from the article states, “ studying time dwindles (along with time for extracurricular and social activities), grades suffer, and the whole college experience takes a harsher edge” (p. 175).  I have seen this first-hand happen to some of my best friends who are studious, yet, get wrapped up in a time consuming job, and backed up school work, that they have no time to enjoy their college experience.  It’s sad; yet, it is the reality so many present day college students face.  These loans also do not simply go away once someone graduates, they stick with that person for possibly years to come.  With the high interest rates of loans, and the struggles of students right out of college trying to find jobs, these loans are a huge burden.  A person that just gained there diploma should feel honored, and focus on entering the “real-world”, not repaying thousands of dollars in loans.   We need to start thinking how we can change this pattern so that a college education can once again become obtainable to all who desire it.  

            Who do we challenge to change this cycle? Do we talk to the government, the individual schools, a Department of Education?  All I know is that this trend must end before diplomas become only attainable to those who have the financial means, so we as students need to speak up and take a stance against it. 

Response to Question F

            The article “Defining Racism : Can We Talk?”, written by Beverly Daniel Tatum, was an enjoyable read.  I found her arguments and theories quite interesting, and many of them I strongly agree with.  Tatum discusses the impact of racism, how it is a system of advantages, how it affects whites, and the overall cost of it all.   What many people fail to realize is that although it is stated that “all men are created equally”, there is still a great deal of segregation in our society.  We must stop avoiding and denying the problem, and begin ending the cycle of racism.  Even from a young age different school systems, parents, and fellow classmates teach misinformation about “other” people.  It is hard to change a belief that has been engrained in someone’s minds from a very young age, but it is possible.  I agree with Tatum that everyone should stop categorizing fellow people, and I think we should look at each other as simply co-existing citizens.

            One example of Tatum’s that I really liked was when she related racism to a moving walkway in an airport (p. 68).  She explained that someone who is openly actively racist is someone who is walking quickly on the moving walkway.  Someone who is a passive racist is standing still, yet moving along on the walkway.  No direct effort is being made, however, they still are moving in the same direction as the actively walking people.  At the end of the walkway all involved essentially end up in the same spot.  Unless the person is forcefully, and actively walking in the opposite way of the walkway, they will eventually get carried along with it in the direction of the white supremacists.  I loved this example; it represents the idea that challenging racism is a tough job.  It takes time, courage and determination to go against it and unless someone is completely, undoubtedly, consciously willing to challenge this ideal than they will not succeed.  The first step is to admit there is a problem, and commit to making a change.  By being passive and not contributing towards or against racism does not make a person much better than someone who is actively contributing to racism. If enough people stand against a stereotype it will hopefully be eradicated over time.  However, as Tantum shows there is so much more than that first step to fight against this powerful injustice in communities.  It is easier to go along with the crowd, and even if you are trying to go against the majority, sometimes you still get carried off in the direction of them. 

            We can say that racism is unjust, unchallenged, and misinformation a million times over but that doesn’t change the fact that it exists.  We must be proactive, for “eradicating racism is in the best interest of everyone”.  I feel we should all follow Tatum’s idea that, “Each of us needs to look at our own behavior.  Am I perpetuating and reinforcing the negative messages so pervasive in our culture, or am I seeking to challenge them?”  (Tatum, 67)

Response to Lady Gaga and Ke$ha article

            I do agree with this author, Lily Rowan’s, point of view in some ways.  Although I am not sure Lady Gaga and Ke$ha’s lyrics helps any greater social problems.  Yet, they should be able to sing about what they want, even if they do insult men, and may be a little racy.  It is true that male singers/rappers do not speak nicely about women, their appearances, personalities, jobs etc.  Two wrongs don’t make a right though, and by female singers joining in on the trend to insult others in their music just continues the cycle.

            Rowan discuss that Lady Gaga and Ke$ha’s lyrics are empowering, and modernizing feminism.  Through their lyrics they portray that women can have “girls nights out” rejecting any man unless the girl wants to give him the time.  This is a way to show girls you can place oneself “outside the realm of men’s possibilities by sending the message that although men can look they can’t touch”.   This sounds like a good role model philosophy, however, does this really teach young girls a good way to behave and present themselves?  I feel that Lady Gaga and Ke$ha are teaching young girls to flaunt their bodies, sexuality, and makes them think that boys are a game and just things to play games with.  I do no feel that is an appropriate or positive idea.  Girls should feel confident, and dominant without the involvement of gaining a boys attention and affection.  

            These female artists may be transforming the contemporary path of feminism but at what cost? By giving into the crude, offensive, disrespectful ways of certain male musical artist by encouraging female artists to act the same, the use of sexism, racism, and privileged will continue in the music industry and the problem will not be solved. 

Response to Question E

                        I enjoyed reading Johnson’s chapter Getting off the Hook: Denial and Resistance.  It made me think about certain issues I never thought about in relation to privilege and oppression.  I thought that Johnson’s examples were helpful in putting the theories into reality, for some I could relate to first hand.  Such as the example of men holding the doors open for women as a symbol of dominance.

            Johnson talked about different strategies that dominant group members use to deny, minimize, and erase the oppression of targeted social groups in the US.  Some of the points he used were blaming the victim, claiming “I didn’t mean it”, that life for everyone is hard sometimes, simply avoiding the subject, or thinking that you are a “good one”.  One idea I particularly thought was interesting was the theory about people simply avoiding the subject, for this idea connects to many of the other points.  People, to avoid the taboo topics of racism, oppression, or privilege, will either call it something else (to lessen the harshness or concern), or express the mindset that it is what it is.  By doing this people are denying the problem, minimizing the consequences, and overall erasing the issue from their minds.  Privileged people believe that everyone has hard lives at times and should not complain about every little problem.  However, a privileged persons worst day might not even compare to a minorities bad day.  I feel people need to open their eyes up and acknowledge issues with race, and oppression (even if it is as something as small as a racist term) whether considered privileged or not everyone needs to realize a change needs to happen. 

            It is a common defense mechanism of people to blame anything and anyone else but themselves.  From blaming the economy, to the status quo, to the city, or a specific group of people, anything could be used as an excuse.  Majority of Johnson’s theories transpire from the idea of blaming the victim, and not the oppressor.  By someone blaming the victim, it helps their self-image because they feel they did not do anything wrong therefore should feel no fault.  By blaming the victim and moving away from actually identifying the problem or situation, this leads to the cycle continuing.  People let themselves off the hook, and truly believe they have nothing to do with the existing problems of the victims when in reality we all do.

            We should be focusing on what we can do to help the situation instead of wasting energy on thinking of meaningless excuses.  Acknowledging and admitting that there is a problem, would be a huge step in the right direction.  On a smaller scale, in everyday life be more courteous and compassionate towards fellow citizens.  Even the smallest gesture to someone could make his or her day a little more enjoyable.  We do live in a very individualistic society (we were raised to look out for ourselves); however, if we all joined together to solve problems in our communities, we could make this world a much better place to live in overall. 

Response to Question D

            The Stanford experiment is extremely interesting, as well as very disturbing.  In my opinion, although this experiment gave a lot of insight to the relation between human nature and environment, I am not sure that I agree with it being conducted.  There definitely should have been more supervision, and guidelines during the experiment.  The humiliation, verbal harassment, and degrading activities that took place within this “prison”, both shocked and horrified me.  In less than two weeks this experiment escaladed to a point where many participants were distorting their perspectives of reality and make believe.  These were educated, smart college students who lost their identities and believed the fantasy.  Even the Professor, who invented the experiment, lost grasp of reality at one point.  This pretend prison, actually transformed into a real one, and was not simply a social experiment.

            One of the most influential details of this experiment was the outfits the participants were told to wear.  Guards had official uniforms with reflective glasses, and the prisoners wore revealing, shabby gowns.  The sunglasses allowed the guards to hide their eyes, which I feel allowed them to more easily submit to harassing of the prisoners without feeling personally connected to them.  This entire experiment relates to the ideas of racial differences, privilege and oppression.  The participants who held privilege and power was portrayed by who had more control over the other party.  The outfits, behavior, and authority of the guards made them seem as though they had privilege over the prisoners.  This idea can also be related to bigger social issues of oppression and white supremacy.  The guards being the white supremacists, and the prisoners being minorities whom the white supremacists feel they have entitled power over.  Power corrupts all genres of people, and it is hard for the victims to stand up and confront the oppressing party even in dire situations.

            Throughout this experiment at Stanford, it is clear that social situations can overwhelm human beings, and that a persons environment does influence their nature.  It is a scary thought to think that even intelligent students and a Professor could fall victim to their fantasy environment.  I am around the same age as these participants and it makes me wonder if my classmates and I were in this same situation how far would we go?   

Response to Question C

            Michael Kimmels lecture on gender differences, strongly critiques the work of John Gray.  John Gray, author of the Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus series, argues that “men and women are so fundamentally different that we might as well be from different planets”.  Kimmel does not agree with this interpretation, for he believes that men and women are more similar than different.  He feels that men and women can and should be allies, and that the differing genders are extremely alike.  

            In my opinion, separation between the genders has been declining over the past few decades immensely.  I never truly realized how recent the idea of making women’s gender visible was until Kimmel began presenting a timeline of events.  I learned it was only in 1972 that that first Women’s Studies course was created at a University!  I feel my generation does not realize the progress women have made in the past decades because we grew up in a time when women do have many rights.  I do agree with Kimmel that the genders are more similar than John Gray proposes.  Some men and women have the same careers, goals, classes, lifestyles, etc.  Gender does not determine someone’s identity, and life choices.  Yet, there is a struggle between the genders for “privilege”.  Kimmel explains that privilege is invisible to those who have it but very apparent to those who don’t.  Men feel threatened by a woman’s confidence, or success because they do not want to loose the privilege that some men hold over women.  The media also influences the way gender identity is seen in our society from a young age.  Gender is a social constructed characteristic, for example, girls play with dolls and boys play with trucks.  If a child does not follow these social norms than they are seen as weird, or not normal.  

            One critique of Kimmels that I did not agree with was when he said “no, women cannot have it all because men already have it all”.  I don’t think this is fair to say, considering how does one judge if someone has it all?  I know some stay at home fathers, with a successful working wife and they do not feel that they are submissive or missing out on something.  I do see how this might apply to some cases; however, I do not think it is fair to say a woman cannot have it all.  

Response to Question B

            The term “Feminism” seems to be considered a taboo topic in society, and has obtained many negative connotations.  There are various myths associated with Feminist, such as, man-haters, radical, aggressive, angry lesbians, bra-burners (a term invented by the media), loud and obnoxious.  Yes there may be a few Feminist who could be characterized by one of these myths, however, majority are a false portrayal of what a feminist is.

            Feminism, in my opinion, could be defined as any male or female who agrees that all genders should be treated equally in all ways, and strongly believes that any form of sexism should be eradicated. Gaining equality for all, and making a change in a society is a hard task.   Some feminists might feel the need to be loud and aggressive to make sure their opinion is heard, in hopes of making a change regarding women’s rights.  I would define myself as a passive feminist.  I simply believe that all women deserve respect, and be considered for every opportunity that a man has fairly.  A woman should never feel she is not good enough because of her gender.

            I am not sure if feminism is on the decline, because there will always be some fighters left.  I do believe that feminism is becoming less of a “dirty” word, and more people are beginning to understand what feminism, and feminists are fighting for.  Over the past few decades many huge changes have been made in favor of women rights, and more recently women are beginning to gain positions and opportunities that previously only men could. Ultimately, I feel there have been some large steps in the right direction; however, there is still work to be done to gain complete equality for women. 

            A big obstacle in reaching this goal is the resistance to embrace feminism by entire communities. Although the term is becoming less “dirty”, there are still many believed negative connotations, and stereotypes related to feminism.  Some fear the power of women, and want to keep their existing power over women.  The media also does not help the image of women, and displays the stereotypes of women and feminist more than not.  Yet, with effort, and willpower any change is possible. 

Question A- Bell Hook Response

            Bell Hooks video on cultural criticism and transformation discusses the interesting issue of white supremacy displayed in different forms of media.  I do agree with majority of Hooks assertions.   The media does have a powerful affect on its audiences, and can sometimes affect the opinions and actions of the population.  Hooks stated that we should strive to be an “enlightened witness”, meaning to be critically vigilant about the world we live in.  We should not just take everything we see or hear in movies, television or other media as fact; we should explore and make our own conclusions.  One example, Bell Hooks included, was the film “Smoke”, in which the director, Wayne Wang, chose to use a black actor as the thief.  When asked why he chose that actor, one of his responses was so that there would be a clear bad guy and good guy quality to the film.  This decision to cast that particular actor as the thief, in my opinion, was based on stereotypes, racism, and feelings of white supremacy.

            Due to the fact that movies, as well as other media sources, show majority of the “bad guys” an African Americans does emphasize these existing racial, and supremacy issues.  If mass audiences are viewing particular films, and television shows that all cast the bad guy as a black person, this causes certain effects, and assumptions to form in the minds of the viewers.  Even after someone is finished watching the show, those ideas stay with him or her throughout their day.   I have seen people get nervous, or uneasy when a young African American boy walks past them at night in the city.  Its terrible, however, the media is one of the sources of this judgment because this scene is often shown in movies ending with a shoot out or robbery.  The media is a strong form of persuasive propaganda, and can teach particular ideologies, whether on purpose or not.   Although, the director of “Smoke” claimed he only did it to clarify the good and bad characters, the decision essentially reinstates white supremacy, and certain stereotypes of African Americans.  Why couldn’t the good guy be black, and the bad be white?  

            Media functions perpetuate power and privilege by simply depicting certain ideologies through media outlets that portray who and what is to be considered more superior, and dominant.  Many people in our society are reliant on gaining information from the media, making it a very strong influencing tool.  Yet, most viewers do not ever stop and think whose behind the media messages that are being told to them.